Body Found in Swamp Was Lake Hopatcong Man

Officials ruled death a suicide from gunshot wound to the stomach.

Authorities have ruled the death of a Lake Hopatcong man found in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge a suicide, according to the Observer Tribune. The man was found shot in the stomach near Long Hill Road in Harding Tuesday, the Observer Tribune reported. Harding police said the area is commonly used as a spot for hiking and bicycling. Authorities have declined to provide further information. Read the full story from the Observer Tribune here.

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Aladdin Sarsippius Sulemenagic Jackson III

3:30 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013

I don't speak from personal experience, but bullet wounds in the stomach are reported to be extremely painful and agonizing.   more ›

Government Shutdown Will Close Great Swamp Refuge

The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center will remain open whether national legislators reach a compromise on the budget by midnight Friday or not.

Life in Chatham could go on mostly undisturbed if the federal government does indeed shut down Friday at midnight, as it is currently scheduled to do. All spaces managed by the Department of the Interior, including national parks such as the Morristown National Park and wildlife spaces such as the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, will be closed. The county-operated Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township will remain open. The Chatham Post Office will remain open during the usual times, and taxes are still due on Monday, April 18. Those residents who expect their social security checks should be paid as usual, but newcomers to social security could experience delays. Schools, libraries and municipal buildings will be …

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Grab & Go Kids Planner

Find a Frog at the Great Swamp

You don't have to kiss it, though.

Once again, we bring you the Grab & Go Kids Planner. It's our weekly list of kid-friendly activities and places to try out. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance. As always, help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips—if we missed anything, just leave us a comment letting us know! Frog Jamboree Where/When: From 2 to 4 p.m. at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham on Thursday, March 24. Why Go: Because all ages can learn about spring peepers and wood frogs, by seeing them in the education center’s vernal pools. Pricing: $3, with pre-registration required by calling 973-635-6629. Nature’…

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Grab & Go Kids Planner

Music and Theater for Parents and Kids

Family-friendly outings that won't break the bank.

Once again, we bring you the Grab & Go Kids Planner. It's our weekly list of kid-friendly activities and places to try out. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance. As always, help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips—if we missed anything, just leave us a comment letting us know! Tyke Hike at Great Swamp Where/When: From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 12 at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham. Why Go: Children ages 2 through 6, as long as they are with an adult, can explore and learn about the Great Swamp. They'll discover the types of animals that live there, and the plants …

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Grab & Go Kids Planner

Colonial Cooking and Maple Sugar Festivals

Family-friendly outings that won't break the bank.

  So once again, we bring you the Grab & Go Kids Planner. It's our weekly list of kid-friendly activities and places to try out. You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance. As always, help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips—if we missed anything, just leave us a comment letting us know! Maple Sugar Festival Where/When: From 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham. Why Go: Because people of all ages can enjoy games, maple syrup snow cones, crafts, maple syrup taste tests, and tree tapping demos. Pricing: $4 Woodland Adventures: Map it Out Where/When: …

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Large Deer Herd Seen in Township

The deer were spotted Tuesday before the anticipated snow storm.

A herd of 10 deer were spotted in Chatham Township nearly one mile from the Great Swamp and walking toward town rather than the park on Tuesday morning. Did you see this deer herd? Take some photos and send them in to Laura.Silvius@patch.com.

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